Texas Hunting Land for Lease
- A typical basic hunting lease is the right to hunt a particular game animal on an owner's land for the hunting season for that animal for one year. Some broader leases allow the lessee to hunt all game animals on the land (as long as they are in season).
A hunting lease almost always specifies the number of hunters and guests (or guns) that can hunt on the property at one time. Leases today, however, are often much more detailed and specific and often specify shorter terms, the number of animals to be killed, weapons that can be used, etc. - Many types of games are abundant in Texas, and there are hunting leases available somewhere for just about any type of game you are interested in. White-tailed deer, mule deer, quail and dove are among the more commonly hunted game in Texas, but you can also hunt turkey, duck, squirrel, rabbits, wild hogs and javelina.
Exotic species such as African antelope and elk, and even waterbuck, wildebeest and zebra can be hunted at one of several exotic wildlife ranches that offer hunting leases. - The question of where to lease land for hunting is directly dependent on what you want to hunt. Assuming you want to hunt native species, you, of course, have to hunt in their habitat. However, the good news is that many favorite Texas hunting species (like white-tailed deer and quail) have a wide range throughout across the state.
Dove are only found in the southern and eastern parts of the state, and wild hogs and javelina are quite rare except in a few rugged areas of southeast Texas and a few areas down in the valley close to the border with Mexico. There are several exotic game ranches in Texas with the majority located in south Texas. - The costs of a hunting lease vary dramatically. A one-week lease on a small piece of property for two hunters for white-tailed deer might be as little as a couple of hundred dollars, but a one week hunt for four at an exotic game ranch might top $50,000. A typical lease on a medium-sized quail lease in south Texas for the season would cost around $5,000.
- Lease-use etiquette varies to some extent as some owners provide more services, but there are a few basic considerations to keep in mind. The No. 1 consideration is to be respectful of fire conditions and burning bans.
Many places in Texas suffer regular droughts, and the dangers of wildfires are real. Cleaning up after yourself, both at the kill/cleaning sites and at any campsites, is the norm unless specifically stated otherwise in your lease agreement. Also be respectful of the property in general--especially damage to fences, damage by vehicles, etc.
